tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361Fri, 28 Jul 2017 06:06:15 +0000recipeorganizeChristmaskidsthriftbudgetcraft roomkitchentipswreathGoodwillbakebarrettebookbowsburlapcakecardschilicinnamon rollcobblercrockpotcroissantscurtaindecalfeltfloralfurnituregiftgiveawayglass jargreen chiliheadboardhousewarmingice creamjewelrylicenseofficepaintpantrypastapreservedsaltsewsilhouettespaghettivodka Tasty Nest hatching the latest craftings and savory biteshttp://tastynest.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)Blogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-5155555275830909753Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:11:00 +00002013-04-03T12:30:07.008-05:00chilirecipeWendy/Larry's ChiliHi friends,<br /><br />I know...I know. Its been a long time since we've chatted. So much has happened in the past&nbsp;several months. This post would go on for days to tell you about it now but&nbsp;I'll share&nbsp;in future posts so stay tuned because for good or bad...I'm baaaaaaaack! :)<br /><br />As my inaugural-sort of visit with you I wanted to share a recipe with you that has been popular around our house lately for a very special reason, which you'll understand in a minute.&nbsp; My sweet mother-in-law, Larry&nbsp;has been in failing health the past couple years. She was in a skilled nursing center the last 18 months or so and just passed away in January.&nbsp; It was such a huge loss for our family but a relief too that her suffering is over and we know she is exploring heaven on healthy legs that take her wherever she wants to go again.&nbsp; Larry was an exceptionally special person. She was always cheerful, unless she was&nbsp;tearful with someone over their troubles (never her own) and she made friends wherever she went. I lost count of how many times I caught her walking flowers from her garden up to the dentist's office or homemade cake over to my parent's house, both over a mile from her house. She loved to walk! As a mother and grandmother, she was the tops. I remember one time we were getting ready to go on a fishing trip with my husband's family and we got to their house to head out. Her and my father-in-law were having a heated argument about putting her little red wagon on top of their little green Rabbit for walks with the grandkids while there. He said they absolutely were not roping it on top and taking it. Well, he did and they did.&nbsp; Family and grandkids came first with Larry. This is Larry at my son and daughter-in-law's July 4th garden wedding at our house. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Losing Larry taught me one thing about death. You know how when people pass away, other people tell you they hope your memories will be a comfort to you? I've said that myself and meant it. But now, I understand it on a new level. I have so many wonderful memories of her, a lifetime of them since she came into my life when I was just 16. They randomly come to mind and I can't help but smile because&nbsp;SHE made me smile. Every day. I love her and I miss her but I'm happy thinking about her. My memories of her make my heart glad and I'm so thankful I got her for my mother-in-law.&nbsp;(By the way, for those who are wondering. Her name was Lorraine and when she was very&nbsp;little she told her parents she didn't like that name and wanted to be called "Larry" and so she always was our Larry. I laugh when I picture her 4 children giving their mother's name. )<br /><br />When Larry was housebound or still eating at the nursing center, my husband and I took turns taking her whatever sounded good to her and eating with her. Nine times out of ten, she wanted Wendy's chili. She could have had anything she wanted but no, she wanted fast food chili. Simple girl, simple pleasures. She loved the stuff. So when I came across a recipe for it a couple weeks ago on <a href="http://www.mamalovesfood.com/2010/11/wendys-chili-well-not-really-but-sort.html" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, I was tickled and wanted to give it a try. We like chili around here but I wouldn't say we LOVE chili. Well, we had this chili and it was life-changing if chili can be life-changing. It has a sweetness and a depth of flavor to it that is delicious. It makes&nbsp;a huge (2 really) pot but we kept eating it so none of it actually made it into the freezer the first time. Considering how much it makes and there's just two of us now, its safe to say we loved this chili! It wasn't a week before my husband was asking when we were going to have it again. I just made it again and froze 2 meals plus we ate it for dinner&nbsp;and had lunch leftovers.&nbsp; One night, I had some brisket taco meat leftover and we threw that in. Delicious! I've made&nbsp;a couple&nbsp;minor amount adjustments but I'm so appreciative to&nbsp;April for sharing this recipe. She has a yummy looking <a href="http://www.mamalovesfood.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> - the <a href="http://www.mamalovesfood.com/2012/01/french-dip-crescents-with-easy-au-jus.html" target="_blank">French Dip Crescents</a> are on my shopping list.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Chili (Wendy's Style)</strong><br /><br />4 lbs ground chuck, browned and drained<br />2 large onions, chopped small<br />4 green peppers, chopped small<br />4 celery stalks, chopped small<br />5 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 Tbsp jarred garlic)<br />2 cans Ranch Style beans, 15 oz, not drained<br />2 cans red kidney beans, 15 oz, not drained<br />2 cans Original Rotel Diced Tomatoes &amp; Green Chilies, 10 oz<br />2 cans stewed tomatoes, 15 oz<br />4 cans plain tomato sauce, 15 sauce<br />2 packages McCormick mild Chili Seasoning mix (any brand really)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Lots of vegies! I tried it with even 5 green peppers and the vegie to meat ratio was getting off. Couldn't imagine using the 7 originally called for. Chop the vegies small or you end up with just a bite of vegie and not a combination of the chili flavors. I wish I would have chopped them a little smaller than in the picture here. I was experimenting with bigger pieces and I liked it better with smaller pieces like the first time I made it.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot. (I forgot to use my big lobster pot and ended up having to use a second dutch oven.)&nbsp;Simmer for 2-3 hours. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I served it with&nbsp;Tastfully Simple&nbsp;Beer Batter bread, something I always keep on hand. So easy to whip up and delicious!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march2013157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I wish you all a big pot of this delicious chili and a wonderful Larry in your life!<br /><br />http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2013/03/wendylarrys-chili.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-8760812728996439915Wed, 23 May 2012 02:19:00 +00002012-05-23T07:05:26.598-05:00furniturepaintPainted Side TableHi friends,<br /><br />I picked up&nbsp;a good side&nbsp;table at a garage sale for just $40 and when I say I picked it up, I don't mean literally. This baby is h-e-a-v-y.&nbsp; I wasn't a fan of its dark stain and I really don't like that inlaid wood look. My husband and dad threw a conniption fit when they heard I planned to paint over it.&nbsp; For a half-a-second, I considered&nbsp;enhancing the&nbsp;compass design out of the inlay but since we live in beautiful but landlocked Colorado, the mariner theme doesn't really float here. Get it...float?&nbsp; Hee hee. So anyway, it was going to be paint. I'm loving some of the color I see in blogland but I needed to play it safe with this new addition since she could only go one place right now in my house. White and black it was.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I sanded and then sanded some more on the top. I just roughed up the base since I was using a spray primer over everything and spray paint on the base. I flipped the little lady on her top and gave the base&nbsp;several light coats of Krylon&nbsp;black&nbsp;satin spray paint. When it was good and dry, I flipped it back over and&nbsp;protected the base with plastic. Then I brushed the top with a couple coats of white (Behr Moon Rise).&nbsp; For the first time, I tried adding Floetrol to the&nbsp;canned paint (what do you call paint that's not spray?) and I thought it did a great job at keeping the brush strokes to a minimum. I will definitely use it again.<br /><br />And speaking of shout outs, I gotta' give one to my new best friend, let's call her Spray Paint Handy Annie since I tossed the packaging and don't know what they are really called (sorry Rustoleum!)&nbsp; All this spray painting has been making my fingers hurt (and if you're not thinking I just earned&nbsp;landscaping duty, do yourself a favor...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uPsbDUZvfFo?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />I saw these sweet little gems hanging in the spray paint aisle (I know genius, right?)&nbsp;at Ace and thought they were worth the $4 to try. Oh my gosh, may be the best $4 I've ever spent and believe me I've spent a lot of $4.&nbsp; You just&nbsp;squeeze the little black&nbsp;pinchers behind the cap to attach to the spray paint, no screwing on the can or anything. Couldn't be easier! I bought a second one&nbsp;the next time I was in just in case they were flimsy&nbsp;but both are still going strong after tons of spray painting. You gotta' try them. No more sore fingers or colored fingertips! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/may212012001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/may212012001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/may212012004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/may212012004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Alright back to our table; after painting the bottom and top, I gave&nbsp;the top&nbsp;a good 3 coats of&nbsp;Johnson Paste Wax for durability then brushed on MinWax Express Color Wiping Stain &amp; Finish in Onyx in the crevices.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/minwax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/minwax.jpg" /></a></div>If I had it to do over again, this is the one thing I would change. I would thin down the wiping stain with some water or glaze before applying.&nbsp;the excess did not wipe off easily and I gave myself a good scare before turning to some mineral spirits which removed&nbsp;the excess without removing the white paint. Woooo. Crisis averted.<br /><br />Isn't she pretty? I love her curves and she's just what that corner needed to hold up a lamp. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012045.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/05/painted-side-table.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-5507588990752958560Wed, 09 May 2012 22:57:00 +00002012-05-23T07:05:44.486-05:00croissantspreservedPreserved CroissantsRemember when I told you about <a href="http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/03/house-not-my-own.html#more" target="_blank">visiting&nbsp;Tyler Florence's&nbsp;store</a> on our trip to Napa? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/March2012022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="238" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/March2012022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a beautiful store even if it is a little pricey. We were the only customers in the store so the manager offered me a discount on a glass jar I was waffling on.&nbsp; It's a&nbsp;classic and I knew just what I wanted to put in it. I had seen Debbie at one of my <a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-shabby-pastry-domeand-experiment.html" target="_blank">favorite blogs</a> do this and been biding my time until I had some where pretty to display these petrified croissants. </div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They couldn't have been easier. I purchased the mini-croissants to make sure they'd fit in the jar (8/$2.50).&nbsp; Set them on a paper towel in the microwave and "cook" on high for 2 minutes until completely dry. (It only took Debbie 1 minute of cooking so check halfway through.)&nbsp; Once dry, spray with several light coats of polyurethane to preserve them, drying between coats. That's it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/apr2012091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/apr2012091.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/apr2012089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/apr2012089.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/05/preserved-croissants.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-5665635020059812962Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:57:00 +00002012-05-10T16:42:11.815-05:00cobblerice creamrecipeCinnamon Ice Cream - The Best!A couple years ago I asked for an ice cream maker for Mothers Day and received it from my sweet daughter.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012018.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />I made room for it on my storage shelves and started tearing out ice cream recipes.&nbsp; But &lt;and insert your own imaginary cricket noise here&gt;&nbsp;there it sat for at least 18 months! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />&nbsp;I finally got enough courage to give it a try and you know what? It is really foolproof. The machine that is. Recipes are hit and miss, but more on that later. This cinnamon&nbsp;ice cream recipe though is divine.&nbsp; It is plenty yummy by itself, almost a cross between a frozen custard and ice cream&nbsp;and I'm also giving you a bonus recipe if you want to serve it with&nbsp;a very&nbsp;yummy and super easy peach cobbler. <br /><br />A word of wisdom about Cuisinart icecream makers; after you transfer the icecream to a plastic container and wash and dry the freezer tub, store it IN THE FREEZER. It takes about 26 hours to freeze solid and I can't tell you how many times I've gone to make ice cream and Mr. Nest has put it back in the box with the maker. Arghhh. I know I should be grateful he washed and dried it but when I have ice cream on the brain, its really hard to be grateful. Its not a pretty picture. Sometime when he gets to guest-write, he'll tell you about how I make him crazy because we have to hand wash the silverware, (and the plastics, and the pans...)<br /><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cinnamon Ice Cream</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yield – 1 quart</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe by Gale Gand</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups half-and-half </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups heavy cream </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cinnamon stick </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9 egg yolks </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¾ cup sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preparations:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the half-and-half, cream, vanilla, cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon, whisking occasionally to make sure the mixture doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. When the cream mixture reaches a fast simmer (do not let it boil), turn off the heat and let the flavors infuse for 10 minutes. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a thin stream, whisk half of the cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then pour the egg-cream mixture back into the saucepan containing the rest of the cream mixture. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. At 160 degrees, the mixture will give off a puff of steam. When the mixture reaches 180 degrees it will be thickened and creamy, like eggnog. If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dipping a wooden spoon into the mixture. Run your finger down the back of the spoon. If the stripe remains clear, the mixture is ready; if the edges blur, the mixture is not quite thick enough yet. When it is ready, quickly remove it from the heat. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile, in a bowl, put two handfuls of ice cubes in the bottom, and add cold water to cover. Rest a smaller bowl in the ice water. Pour the cream mixture through a fine sieve (to remove the vanilla bean pieces and cinnamon sticks) and into the smaller bowl. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chill mixture 3 hours, then continue according to the directions of your ice cream maker. Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm. Enjoy!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><br />A word about ice cream recipes; they are not all created equal. I saw one in a Food Network challenge in their magazine and thought, "now that is either going to be genius or not" and decided to give it a try. I wish I could tell you what it was but my husband, daughter-in-law Brenda and I were the unfortunate guinea pigs for it and we all agreed to never mention it's name again. It was the most horrid thing we've ever&nbsp;eaten.&nbsp; My granddaughter Rowen and I had fun making it, so something good&nbsp;did come&nbsp;from it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/apr2012041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/apr2012041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />And finally, here's that great Peach Cobbler recipe I promised you. This goes together in minutes and makes delicious breakfast leftovers if it gets that far.&nbsp; The recipe came from a dear friend that I have since lost touch with but I think of her every time I make it. Aren't those the best kind of recipes?<br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Easy Peach Cobbler</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Recipe by Cheryl Schroeder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ stick margarine</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ C flour</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ C sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ C milk</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 eggs</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ tsp vanilla</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¾<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>tsp salt</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 ¼<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>tsp baking powder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sprinkle cinnamon</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">29 oz can sliced peaches, drained</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preparation:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat over to 375°. Melt 1 ½<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>stick butter in 13x9 baking dish. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix all ingredients for batter until smooth in blender. Pour batter into heated baking dish w/ butter. Do NOT stir. Drop (2) 15 oz. drained sliced peaches evenly. Do NOT stir. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Lucida Bright&quot;;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for 30 minutes. Center will be slightly jiggly still. Serve warm or chilled. </span></span></div>I party at <br /><center><a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OCbgxahykf8/TTsiKOSYQ2I/AAAAAAAAAxA/ofBtPo-ZveY/s1600/Plumpy%2B%25282%2529%2Bbutton.jpg" /></a></center>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/04/cinnamon-ice-cream-best.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-589956199922103858Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:50:00 +00002012-04-19T20:59:32.864-05:00craft roomthriftOffice UpdateI have been cracking the whip on myself to finish all the projects I had started around here. I've made pretty good progress but just haven't sat down long enough to write them up for you. Ah, you know that's not true, don't you?&nbsp;&nbsp;The part about not sitting down long enough, not the part about making progress. Truth be told, I'm a&nbsp;professional sitter-downer.&nbsp; I could open my own business if there was a call for it. Too bad I don't know anyone who needs help with their sitting down. So, here I am sitting down, with a plethura of projects to tell you about.&nbsp; I've made a few changes in the office that have really helped me out; given me more storage and inspiration so I thought I would start there. <br /><br />Remember my <a href="http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/craft-room-makeover.html#more" target="_blank">stamp pad caddy</a>? I wasn't happy with having to take out all the stamps to find&nbsp;the color I liked. I wanted them individually displayed. So I've been keeping my eyes open for something that would work better. I see these wooden cassette holders all the time at thrift stores, some bigger and some smaller. I chose a bigger one so I would have room to grow. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012024.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>The slots were too small to hold a stamp pad so I took some heavy snips and cut every other horizontal slat to make the spaces twice as tall. Perfect!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />This one already had two holes drilled out of the back for hanging it which I thought was brilliant. So easy to mark the wall and put up some Command hooks. <br /><br />I found the white tin tray at the thrift store and it fits perfectly on top to hold small punches. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My previous&nbsp;small shelves weren't enough for holding all my supplies and when I came across this shelving unit for $5 at the thrift store, I snapped it up. I was going to paint it but after cleaning it, I'm not so sure. I'm also thinking of painting the drawer fronts of&nbsp;my $25 Craigs List&nbsp;cabinet and getting new handles this summer. What do you think? Is it worth the trouble?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had a fabric memo board that looked cool but I wasn't really using it. I've always liked these wire frame ones. I found this one for just $3 at the thrift because almost all the clothespins were broken. I&nbsp;took them off by unwrapping the wire&nbsp;and used some mini-clothespins I get from PartyAmerica.&nbsp; I love looking at my family while I'm in my craft office. <br /><br />The perpetual calendar was another thrift find for $3. Isn't is cute? I adore it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />And landing on my desk, is my latest project. I was&nbsp;getting annoyed&nbsp;digging out my password file all the time&nbsp;but remembering the bazillions of log-ins that are required for daily business was getting downright&nbsp;impossible in my advanced years. :)&nbsp; I needed something that would keep that information handy but out of sight too.&nbsp; I saw this photo frame at the thrift and knew it was just what was called for. Yes, it was a little dated and not something I would ordinarily pick out but look at it now!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I painted the stand Krylon Celery green and the photo frames Heirloom White (there are two photo frames so the piece looks cute coming and going).&nbsp;In the clear photo sheets&nbsp;behind my cutie granddaughter Rowen, are individual pages for Shopping, Websites, Home, Blog and Travel.&nbsp; I used a vintage notebook scrapbook paper and on each page I have a table that lists Sites with their User Names and Passwords.&nbsp; I compromised with my husband and did not put any especially private information, like credit cards&nbsp;on it just in case the wrong eyes were curious. (I apologize for the ugly White-Out in the picture!)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012047-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012047-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I love the greeting cards created&nbsp;by Pondering Pool. She also offers 11x14 poster size prints which I framed in thrift-store frames painted black (they really are hung straight though you couldn't tell by the shadows.) &nbsp;I know they might be a little creepy at first glance, but they crack me up every time I look at them.&nbsp; Different strokes for different folks... Live and let live people.&nbsp; <a href="http://ponderingpool.com/">PonderingPool.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;for those who enjoy them too. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012041.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/04182012042.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />And that's my newly done office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ever evolving to hold my hoard of craft supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />See you tomorrow for a yummy ice cream recipe!<br /><br /><br /><br />http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/04/office-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-7557621738888081816Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:05:00 +00002012-04-19T21:00:30.491-05:00headboardA House Not My OwnOh hello friends, nice to see you! I have so much to share with you. Its been too long hasn't it? Last we talked, I was waiting for the weather to warm up and spring is finally sprung here in Colo.&nbsp; I am up to my neck finishing projects and recipes I want to share with you in the weeks to come thanks to a little Vitamin D from our beautiful sun and Colorado blue skies. Don't you just adore spring?&nbsp; <br /><br />Before I get to my own projects in the next weeks, I have to share a trip we took this month to California&nbsp;which included&nbsp;a visit to my son and precious daughter-in-law. They just bought their first home and according to them, it needed a lot of refurbishing, though we couldn't tell it now. They have only been in the house a couple months and it is already GORGEOUS! They bought it on a short sale so they got a great deal on it and have been trying to do all their projects as frugally as they can.&nbsp; My son especially puts me to shame bargaining with salespeople.&nbsp; Here are the new happy homeowners:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012035-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012035-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Derek and Carrie were at the lumber yard looking for nice thick wood to make an entry shelf. Derek asked the salesman about this piece and the salesman said, oh that's scrap off something else, you can have it for FREE. It turned out to be the perfect dimension...Score! Derek put up a couple heavy nice looking&nbsp;hooks under the shelf for Carrie to hang her purse and shopping bags on. Cute!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012054.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><a name='more'></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Carrie and Derek went without cable and tv. while saving to buy a house so they were excited to join the real world again.&nbsp; This was just an empty space before they purchased stock base cabinets (which again fit perfectly, just needed trimmed out) and Derek built the upper shelves. Nice job Derek!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Carrie hasn't been sitting around watching Derek do all the work. She's always wanted a space for her crafts and finally has her own craft room. Sorry I missed getting a picture of it. She has a super-talented crafting&nbsp;mentor and friend, Denise who came over and the two of them turned out two headboards in a weekend! This is the master bedroom, isn't&nbsp;it beautiful?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was so intimidated counting all those brads on that headboard and how straight she got them! But Carrie showed me her secret.&nbsp; They come connected&nbsp;in a string on a roll.&nbsp; She got hers at Joann's for about $6&nbsp;a roll which did the entire headboard with some left over.&nbsp; Here's a picture of a portion of&nbsp;the string.&nbsp; About every 5th one has a hole in the center with spare brads that you punch in, so you aren't punching in most of the brads. Wow! What a cool product! Who knew?!!&nbsp; I wish Carrie and Denise would each start their own blog. There's so much I can learn from them.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Here's a picture of the headboard in the guestroom where we stayed. Its a padded white against the eggplant-painted wall. The picture doesn't really do it justice. Dreamy...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Derek and Carrie have one big project left.&nbsp; Good thing they left one room alone.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march22012006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/march22012006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />They had an ultrasound this week and found out that both babies are healthy and due in Nov. Yes, BOTH babies. :) Uh oh. Doesn't&nbsp;look good, craft room.&nbsp; <br /><br />We couldn't be happier! This is the second set of twin grandchildren for&nbsp;Elvis and I. Twins run on both sides of Derek and Carrie's family.&nbsp; Plus we're having a very special little preview attraction in September when our other son and beautiful daughter-in-law in Texas have their second baby.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are very blessed that&nbsp;all three of our children have&nbsp;given us these 8 little bundles of love and they are all such good parents. We know they are all very well-taken care and loved when we're not there to squeeze and kiss on them. (See About Me for pictures of the 5 current munchkins)<br /><br />After we left Derek and Carrie's, we ventured up the coast. It was the first time either of us visited Hearst Castle. Pretty remarkable but honestly, it made me kinda' sad. He used this huge extravagant house to entertain important friends but stayed upstairs on his floor even when they were there.&nbsp;&nbsp;He had several sons and a wife who lived on the east coast but what everyone thinks of when they think of William Hearst, is this castle.&nbsp; A castle, but not a home. A sad legacy.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Feb2012078.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />After a few days in San Fransisco, we went to Napa/Sonoma which was a first for us too. Such a beautiful relaxing time.&nbsp; We did a few wine tours (Cakebread was our favorite - if you're near Napa, don't miss this one! Very entertaining and educational!), did some shopping (Food Network's Tyler Florence has a store in Napa. Tyler happens to be my husband's man-crush. Sorry, Elvis. The truth is out. He was in hog heaven when he saw that store. We walked in and I swear, he walked right up to the cashier and said "is Tyler here?"&nbsp; She just said, "no, I'm sorry."&nbsp; I stopped being embarrassed by things he does a long time ago. The man makes me laugh till I cry.&nbsp; I made a purchase at the store but I'm working on finishing up a little project before I show it to you. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/March2012022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="238" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/March2012022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We ended up passing through Yosemite and St George on the way home. Elvis visited the mountains and forest and&nbsp;I got to visit a <a href="http://www.downeastoutfitters.com/about.html" target="_blank">DownEast Home and Clothing store</a>. If you haven't heard about these yet, they are basically outlet stores for Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, etc as well as their own brand of clothing. Great deals on furniture and home decor&nbsp;which I am still coveting but didn't have the funds or means to get home.&nbsp; I picked up some floral stems and monogrammed kitchen towels.&nbsp;The stores&nbsp;are mostly in Utah with a&nbsp;few elsewhere in the western U.S.&nbsp; We'll definitely be stopping when we pass through St. George.&nbsp; All in all, it was a wonderful time visiting family and seeing some old favorite spots and new ones. We had a couple scares when we overslept and first and second breakfast collided then we were forced to push back first and second lunch, which threw our early dinner plans in a tizzy but we managed to fit in a boatload of good eating. We've been back a week and I'm still not hungry.&nbsp; Thank you California&nbsp;until we meet again!<br /><br />Long post, so much to say. And so much more to show that you that I'm working on.&nbsp; Please stop in again soon.http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/03/house-not-my-own.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-8531084562983194057Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:52:00 +00002012-03-19T23:07:56.900-05:00pastarecipeSmooth and Creamy Seafood PastaI have been struggling with my crafts lately. Or rather I am struggling with the winter cold and how its affecting my crafting. I live in usually gorgeous Colorado which granted is not the Arctic front but it might as well be for my purposes. I have several things I'm itching to&nbsp;whip out&nbsp;but almost all&nbsp;of them call for spray paint.&nbsp; I bet, unless you&nbsp;also&nbsp;live in a cold climate, you don't even know that you can't spray paint unless its above 50*F? I'm so jealous right now of all you southern and California DIY-ers who haven't even missed a beat. Oh spring, wherefore art thou my spring?&nbsp; Please come soon. One area I'm not struggling in is the kitchen.&nbsp; I've been working up a rosy glow making some super-deliciousness. Who knows, you might get all recipes until spring. Would you really mind that?<br /><br />I've been craving this Seafood Pasta something fierce the last couple weeks. It's always been one of my family's very favorites and I'm sure you're going to love how quickly it&nbsp;comes together in under 15 minutes. It's a&nbsp;perfect weeknight supper! When the kids were all home, it wasn't too often that the budget had room for seafood for a family of 5. About the only seafood we had regularly was of the "pretender" variety. I'm a tiny bit hesitant to give you a recipe using fake crab. Don't judge us from being from the trailerhood until you taste this...deal? Please let me know how you like it.&nbsp; Besides, it's still fish...ugh fish protein. Sounds good for you, right?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012003-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012003-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br />I did a little bit of research just in case you're asking yourselves what the heck is surimi. The seafood used&nbsp;is probably Alaskan pollack (whiting) fish. The surimi refers to the processed fish after it's been minced, rinsed and then&nbsp;the water is removed&nbsp;leaving a paste called a surimi. Stabilizers and flavor enhancers are added including natural and artificial crab flavors. Some of these flavorings are made from real crab or from boiled shells. I felt better after looking this up. But let's move on because really this is yummy in your tummy and I'm afraid I'm going to talk you out of it if I keep talking.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />16 oz imitation crab<br />8 oz cream cheese, cut into 1" pieces.<br />1 stick margarine<br />1/4 C Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated<br />1/2 C milk, may use a little more or less<br />pinch dill<br />ground black pepper<br />wide flat egg noodles<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Drop noodles into boiling salted water. Meanwhile make sauce: melt margarine. Over low hear and using flat spatula, "knead" cream cheese into melted butter until lumps are gone.&nbsp; Work with it a couple minutes and all of a sudden you'll see it come together smooth as silk!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Add milk a&nbsp;1/4 C.&nbsp;at a time until its the consistency you like. A little on the thinner side is best to start with. It thickens up some while you're wating on the noodles. Add Parmesan cheese, dill and lots of ground black pepper. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chop seafood into small bite size pieces. Don't make the mistake of thinking if you chop it up tiny, it will go farther. You want to bite into a piece of fish to have the full experience. Add chopped seafood to sauce and reheat. Keep warm until noodles are finished.&nbsp; Top noodles with seafood and dig in!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/01152012015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />MMMmmm.&nbsp; Quick, Easy and Cheap - it's a trifecta! Wait! And delicious! What's bigger than a trifecta?http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2012/01/smooth-and-creamy-seafood-pasta.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-2153935423330005491Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:53:00 +00002012-01-15T19:54:37.147-06:00ChristmasChristmas Ready!Finally! I know you all have been ready for some time, haven't you? Seems like it takes me longer and longer each year to get ready. I don't know what my problem is (well besides my OCD but that goes without saying.) I wanted to take my time and go through my decorations and purge some (look out kids, you have some ornaments to look through when you're here) and then got sidelined baking, etc. One of my favorite local shops went out of business after Christmas last year so I bought quite a bit of new stuff at 75% off and then picked up a few other things at after-Christmas sales here and there. I only bought one thing at full price this season but I had to have it (I'll show it to you later.) Anyway I finally quit my lolly-gagging and finished up the decorating just in time for Christmas. And I love it! Its more of a planned look for us and less homespun. Let's start the tour in the family room where we spend the majority of our time. We always have a live tree and the last couple years we've ordered it via the <a href="http://averychristmastrees.com/" target="_blank">internet</a>. I know... crazy! But its fantastic! Both years, its been beautfully shaped and has kept it's needles longer than any tree we've bought at a local lot. Plus it comes right to our door. I always laugh to picture the poor UPS man carrying all those trees but I don't think we would go back. It's not cheap (about $80 + $25 shipping) but live trees of equal size on the lots were costing nearly that much anyway and dead within days of setting them up. Trinity Trees promises to ship within a day or two of cutting them compared to weeks&nbsp;for lot trees. I decorated the tree with a red, white and silver theme this year. We love the fresh, clean look of it! There are more ornaments than this pictures looks like, the glass ones aren't showing up well. I promise its not this bare.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0038.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0048.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />The tree sits right next to the fireplace so I carried the color theme over to the mantel too.&nbsp;The mantel decor is&nbsp;just a tad busy for my tastes but there isn't anything I'd take away. Its mostly thrift finds except the red and white ho ho ho balls I got at the store closing sale. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0041.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><a name='more'></a>My favorite things on the mantel are the two silver kings. I found them at&nbsp;the thrift last year and fell in love. I always smile when I see them and think they may be looking for the baby Jesus but they also need to be looking for their friend, the 3rd wise man. I try to help them and always have my eyes open for him. Poor 3rd wise man, out in the cold somewhere. Does he even know I'm looking for him? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />See the little greenhouse with the tiny hanging red plants? It's my Ode to Martha. Its the closest I will ever get to having a greenhouse that I can decorate for the holidays. It makes me happy. Well... 99 cents happy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />I made the white star banner from a package of glittery cardboard stars I got at the thrift last year. I only used a fraction of what was in the package so I have plenty for another project TBD. The stars have an aged appearance, I can't&nbsp;be sure if they are old or newer but I love the banner. This is the view from our favorite seats. With the lights off and tree on, its so sweet and peaceful. I don't even want to go to bed. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />&nbsp;Yes, that's one of our dog's bed in front of the fireplace but we rarely turn the fireplace on right now because we don't want to dry out the tree. Sorry Marshall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"But what if I have snow on my nose and give you my best stare-down?" Nope, no can do.&nbsp; I'll tell you what my dad told me, go put a sweater on if you're cold.&nbsp;&nbsp; See me after the 25th.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This white cupboard sits in the other end of our family room. I was always going to paint it but never have.&nbsp; I love&nbsp;the mercury glass ornaments! Hmmm. This is starting to sound pretty materialistic, isn't it? I love everything. Can we just agree, that when I say I love something that means "I Really like the look". I know I am supposed to love people not things and most of the time I do.&nbsp; Does it help my case if the things I love were gotten at the thrift? No, I guess not. Shoot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0036.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0052.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really tried to not over-decorate this year. I left 4 of the built-in shelves alone and just styled this one. The lighted Kinkaid houses were gifts from friends while the beaded garland and snow sign were thrift finds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is our entry table. Sticking with the red, white and silver theme. Love how this turned out. Too stinkin' cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0029.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The photo on the wall is my son and beautiful daughter-in-law. They were married at our house last summer and are celebrating their first Christmas together&nbsp;from their home in&nbsp;California this year. Blowing you both kisses from Colo. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Santa is hanging by his hat&nbsp;next to&nbsp;the front door.&nbsp; Got Santa at the store closing and found the wreath hanger at the thrift. <br /><br />You might want to look away here. People either love this next one or hate it. Don't say I didn't warn you. Close your eyes...ta da!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0033.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0056.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />THIS is the tree I grew up with. Silver in all its glory as God intended Christmas trees.&nbsp;You don't see many of these anymore. Yes, I know many of you are thanking the good Lord for that but this one always makes me smile. I think I was the only one in the family who would take it off my parent's hands. You're welcome mom and dad. And what's a silver tree without a color wheel?&nbsp; I remember laying underneath it as a kid watching the tree change colors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0030.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0055.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I usually put baskets of pointsettias&nbsp;everywhere but this year settled on just one on the kitchen counter. I think the green pitcher really sets off the red (see now I'm paranoid about saying I love it?!!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this snowflake tree was a gift this year from a dear friend. Isn't it cute?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0057.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back when we began, I told you I only bought one thing at full price this season. Well, that wasn't entirely true. I bought three. Here they are. Aren't they gorgeous? And I DO love these. So sue me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sorry for the dark picture. We had a big snowfall here in Colo.&nbsp;and its hard to get a get a good picture with either too much light or not enough later in the day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally bringing up the rear (hee hee), this little red cardinal sits on&nbsp;a wintry nest&nbsp;on a cupboard in the bathroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for taking my Christmas tour. Its been my pleasure showing you how I decorate for the holidays. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas with lots of good family time and some quality rest if you need it.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Terry</div>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-ready.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-4489455775298890069Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:32:00 +00002012-01-15T19:55:07.492-06:00crockpotgreen chilirecipeRocky Mountain Crock Pot Pork Green ChiliHere in Colorado, we like our mexican food authentic and Spicy. In our house, that's Spicy with a capital "S".&nbsp; Mr. Tasty especially can't get food hot enough for him. Whenever&nbsp;he's out to dinner, he will ask for a side of jalapenos with his meal, no matter how spicy the entree is.&nbsp; Several times a year,&nbsp;I make this big batch of green chili and then&nbsp;freeze portions for meals and his hot fix throughout the week. When the freezer runs dry, he's johnny-on-the-spot to let me know.&nbsp; I've been perfecting this recipe for too many years to say and have it just right where I want it. With a few minutes prep work,&nbsp;it's then&nbsp;cooked in the crock pot all day and thickened at the end.&nbsp; For everyone else with sensitive taste buds, there's instructions for cooling the heat. <br /><br />Ingredients:<br />3 lbs diced pork (I buy the pork already diced and value packaged for green chili)<br />1-1/2 onion, diced<br />5 garlic cloves, chopped<br />(2) 32 oz low sodium chicken broth<br />27 oz can whole green chilis<br />28 oz diced tomatoes<br />2 tsp cumin<br />5-8 dynamite peppers (*see instructions for options)<br />salt, pepper<br />flour<br />3 Tbsp shortening<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11020.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Melt 2 Tblsp shortening. Working in batches, coat pork with flour, shake off excess. I use a ziploc bag and my hands to shake off excess. Fry 1/2 of pork until brown. Salt and pepper pork. Don't crowd the pan or pork will steam, not brown. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a name='more'></a>Fry the second batch of pork. You may need to add another Tbsp shortening if meat sticks. Add onions to second batch of meat when meat is just beginning to brown. Add garlic in last couple minutes of browning.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />While meat is cooking, drain green chilis. (I love this small drainer I got a couple months ago at Sur la Table. Its perfect for draining a can or two without pulling out the big colanders.)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Cut the green chilis lengthwise 2-3x, then horizontally 3 times. Leave them in big enough pieces to see them in the green chili. Don't worry, this isn't where the heat comes from.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now to talk spice, heat, achti-mama! My husband has a dealer at a local flea market that sells roasted dynamite peppers. For him, nothing else will do. But frankly and don't tell him this, I can't tell the difference between those, the roasted peppers you can get at just about any farmers market in the late summer/fall or even canned jalapenos. Use what you can get and as much as you're comfortable with. The heat does tend to intensify after the chili cools so I recommend when you get to the spot where you're thinking well, maybe just a little more peppers, that's the point to stop. It'll be perfect the next day. DEFINITELY USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING HOT PEPPERS.&nbsp; I keep these on hand from Costco and use them for lots of my cooking, including flouring meat.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />When we buy the roasted dynamite peppers, we freeze&nbsp;a ziploc bag of them, then knock off a chunk when we need it. The charred skins&nbsp;of the roasted peppers will peel right off with your gloved fingers after you cut the stem off. Then chop the peppers pretty small. Don't put the skins in, it seems like&nbsp;they would add a good smoky flavor but they are papery and will never soften.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Use about 1/4 cup chicken broth to deglaze the frypan, scraping up all the brown bits (that's where the flavor is.) <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Put this liquid and the browned meat and onions, all the peppers, tomatoes, chicken broth and cumin&nbsp;in a large crockpot.&nbsp; Add 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Cook on medium for about 8 hours until meat is tender. <br /><br />Mix 2 Tblsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water to make a slurry. Add about 1/2 of this into crockpot, adding more as needed to thicken to your tastes.&nbsp;&nbsp; Cook an additional 10-20 minutes to thicken.The cornstarch makes it more of a pretty glaze color than a dark gravy. I like to see what I'm eating I guess, especially when its this pretty and tasty green chili.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/12/rocky-mountain-crock-pot-pork-green.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-3789443127060617163Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:44:00 +00002011-12-05T20:52:57.213-06:00burlapfeltwreathBurlap and Felt WreathYummm. Burlap. I'm not really a silks and satin kind of girl. Give me some good old burlap, in fact the older the better and I am in hog heaven.&nbsp; I've been wanting to play with all the adorable felt flowers all over blogland and thought what better partner for working-class felt than Mr. Blue Collar Burlap.&nbsp; I had so much fun playing. <br /><br />Burlap is super cheap. I bought 2 yrds (I have another burlap project coming up) and only spent $4. For my purposes, I used just a yard and had some left over so you could probably go with 3/4 yard. Cut the burlap into 1-1/2" strips. I used my rotary cutter which cuts burlap like butter. No need to be precise or Miss Perfect here. <br /><br />I wrapped the strips around a 12" straw wreath form using hot glue to secure the ends until the form was covered.&nbsp; Honestly, I love it bare in all its raggedness. The threads speak to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a name='more'></a>Next the felt flowers, so many Pinterest tutorials which one to choose? I decided to do just a couple flower varieties so I liked this simple <a href="http://www.littlethingsbringsmiles.com/2010/12/felt-fun.html." target="_blank">tutorial.</a>&nbsp; I bought 4 colors felt (.99 each) for flowers plus a green for leaves.<br /><br />Use something to trace circles on the felt. I used a 4-1/2" vase.&nbsp; Tip- use a pen close to the color of felt, the marks do show a little if you don't cut inside the drawn circle.&nbsp; (I traced this darker so it would show up in the photo.)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />After you've cut your circle, start cutting spirals into your circle until you get to the center. Don't worry about how many spirals or making them perfect. That's not what this craft is about (thank goodness for me).<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Depending on whether you start rolling the flower from the outside end or the inside end, determines whether you'll get the rosebud or open face-type flowers. I did some of both. On a couple of the open-face style flowers, I added a contrasting circle (about 1/2")&nbsp;to the inner circle to add dimension. Add it with a dot of hot glue to the spiral before you roll it. (yes, that's me glueing by my laptop. I am sooo asking for trouble aren't I?)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Because I wanted to pin on my flowers and not glue them to the wreath so I could swap out the flowers later, I also cut base circles (about 2" depending on your flower)&nbsp;in the same color as the flower but slightly larger than the flower itself.&nbsp;Lightly hot glue&nbsp;each flower to&nbsp;the base circle, pressing the extra up towards the flower but don't glue there.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Cut several leaves if you want them. Lay the flowers and leaves on wreath until design pleases you. I used florist pins to pin the flowers/leaves to the wreath form. Wriggle the pins between the outer flower petal and the extra overhang of the base circle and then push into wreath form. Continue until all flowers are attached. Pin leaves to fill in space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;I bought a couple Christmas picks for .79 and&nbsp; cut the berries off the stem. Hot glue a berry into each open flower center, hiding where you cut it from its stem. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Loop&nbsp;1 yard ribbon through wreath and tie in a bow at the top. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11084.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />This adorable wreath went to one of my all-time favorite people, my mother-in-law. She's in a nursing facility and needs all the color she can get on her door.&nbsp; I love this wreath but it doesn't hold a candle to her! She'll give the wreath back after Christmas and I'll do it again in different colors and flowers. Already dreaming of new ones...<br /><br />Ps. Sorry for the dark project photos. This was my second project of the day and I'd already lost my daylight. <br /><br /><a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/a2d-pics/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party.png" /></a>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/burlap-and-felt-wreath.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-5112206516650628130Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:10:00 +00002011-12-02T17:18:47.947-06:00decalkitchensaltthriftCountertop Salt JarI cook a lot. I think I might have mentioned that. So I wanted a salt container that I could leave out on the counter&nbsp;that I wouldn't have to go to the spice cupboard&nbsp;each time. I've seen some salt cellars at specialty stores that were incredibly expensive and didn't have a wow factor for me. So, I set about re-creating something in my own style. <br /><br />Over the next couple thrift store visits, I found a perfect little white crock for a couple dollars. It had no markings and clean lines. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Back at home, I searched online for an image I liked and saved it to my computer. From&nbsp;one of my favorite fellow bloggers, <a href="http://justsomethingimade.com/" target="_blank">Just Something I Made</a>, I'd already&nbsp;learned about inkjet waterslide decal paper. I LOVE it! You can make so many cool things without having a&nbsp;pricey machine, just using your printer. Cathe from JSIM recommends getting the decal paper from <a href="http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/2.htm" target="_blank">here</a> so I did and was happy with my order but I've since seen it on Amazon too. Maybe you can even find it locally?<br /><a name='more'></a><br />•Step #1: Design your decal. Using the measurements of the crock, I knew the maximum size I could make the&nbsp;image and sized it just slightly smaller.<br /><br />•Step #2: Set your printer as follows: <br />◦Resolution = Best <br />◦Paper = Photo Gloss (Print your decal on the glossy side of decal paper.) <br />Print the decal.<br /><br />•Step #3: Spray your printed sheet evenly with Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear High Gloss spray until the sheet has a shine (2-3 coats). Allow 30 to 60 minutes to dry and set. (This product is available at any craft or hardware store such as Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, etc. Really any acrylic clear coat spray will work.) <br /><br />•Step #4: Cut out your image. <br /><br />•Step #5: Place decal into a cup of clean warm water for 45-60 seconds and remove when the thin decal film begins to slip along backing. (Discard backing material after the decal has been removed) <br /><br />•Step #6: Apply decal to clean surface (works on ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, soap, candles, mylar balloons, etc. )<br /><br />•Step #7: Use paper towel to blot excess water and smooth water bubbles to edges. Blot. Let dry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I filled my crock with kosher salt and use it all the time. It holds&nbsp;about 2 cups so&nbsp;there's always plenty.&nbsp; Give this idea a try in your kitchen and save yourself a few steps a day. <br /><a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/a2d-pics/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party.png" /></a>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/countertop-salt-jar.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-101717788634532849Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:29:00 +00002012-01-15T21:16:48.953-06:00giveawayOur First GiveawayGiveaway Winner! - Hanna Hutcheson was the winner of our first-ever giveaway this week. Hanna, please send me your address and I'll get your prize in the mail right away! Thanks everyone for entering. I really appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment on Tasty Nest.<br /><br />I am so grateful for everyone who has visited and stuck with me this first month as I've been learning the blog world. I really expected that there would be a just a handful of people besides my mom and dad&nbsp;that were interested in anything I had to say but I passed 4000 visitors in one month&nbsp;this weekend! Go ahead and be surprised...I was shocked, and grateful. I so want to do a good job for you all but truth be told I'm really just having a heck of a lot of fun.&nbsp; I know I have a long way to go and I promise to keep working on getting better. <br /><br />To thank all of you for visiting, we're having our first giveaway this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;The prize is&nbsp;a&nbsp;sweet little&nbsp;3-piece set of sparkling bird ornaments nestled in their nest&nbsp;along with&nbsp;a ceramic measuring spoon set (value $35).&nbsp; If we're being real, since this is our first giveaway it should be our smallest group, right? Your chances of winning couldn't be better!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />To enter the giveaway all you have to do is become a member of the blog by clicking "Join this Site" on the right side under "Become a Follower."&nbsp; You don't have to have a google account or be a blogger to enter the contest just have an email address. The contest is open to everyone. The deadline to enter is next Monday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. CT.&nbsp; I'm using random.org to pick a name from all blog members (including current members.) <br /><br />Again, thanks very much for sticking with me. Your comments mean a lot to me so please keep them coming.http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-first-giveaway.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-6977593759418364138Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:55:00 +00002011-11-28T16:00:48.542-06:00bookbudgettipsFree BooksPut a good book in my hands and I enter a 5th dimension of my own&nbsp;and lose all track of time and place. In fact, if the book is good enough I've been known to still be up reading when my husband gets up to get ready for work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Needless to say, I had accumulated tons of books, they were busting out of my bookshelves.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;were my favorites&nbsp;that I wanted to keep but most were books that&nbsp;I was glad to read once but didn't necessarily want to keep.&nbsp; So I researched ways to trade in my books and found something that has worked out perfectly for me that I want to pass along to fellow readers.&nbsp; This&nbsp;club allows me to trade in my books and get new ones for&nbsp;nothing (minus the negligable shipping costs!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/paperback-1.jpg" /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="color: black;">I've been using this&nbsp;book club&nbsp;for about 2 years and have nothing but good things to say about it;</span> <a href="http://paperbackbookswap.com/" target="_blank">Paperback Book Swap</a>&nbsp; You list your books (not just paperbacks) and make a wish list of the books you want. It took me about 2 hours to set up both lists. When other people in the&nbsp;club request a book of yours, you'll be notified and then you ship the book directly to the person at your expense. The online service prints a shipping label and tells you how much postage to put on the package to ship it Media Mail (usually a couple bucks.)&nbsp; When someone else&nbsp;has a book that is on your wish list, they ship the book to you at their cost so its all a wash in the end. The books are traded one for one, regardless of value or shipping weight, etc. <br /><br />One of the things I especially love about the&nbsp;club is you can request&nbsp;ANY book, new release&nbsp;&nbsp;or older titles. I have found many books that were no longer available in bookstores or online. Usually new&nbsp;releases have a wait list but I've really gotten out of the habit of rushing to Barnes and Noble to buy every new book. Its been good discipline&nbsp;for me and good for our budget. You can request any genre of book including cookbooks, kids books, magazines, etc. They also have a sister CD/DVD site and a store front though I haven't used those yet. Personally, I have collected my favorite&nbsp;Martha Stewart books, new releases and popular and obscure cookbooks. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/paperbacksearch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/paperbacksearch.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br />I bet there are similar&nbsp;clubs like <a href="http://paperbackbookswap.com/" target="_blank">Paperback Book Swap</a>.&nbsp; I felt comfortable taking any&nbsp;risk with this one after I saw they currently have over 1700 members and 5,000,000 books listed. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/paperbackcredits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="43" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/paperbackcredits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I wholeheartedly recommend this&nbsp;book club&nbsp;to anyone looking to trade in some books&nbsp;and get new reading material for zero dollars&nbsp;and clear out some clutter while&nbsp;you're at it.&nbsp; Who can't use that?</a>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-books.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-2000666959496140923Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:08:00 +00002011-12-05T23:08:55.100-06:00ChristmasfloralwreathChristmas Hydrangea WreathThe last couple years, frugal daughter and I attended fantastic HUGE Christmas markets in Houston called the Nutcracker Market. Its an annual thing early in Nov. Its already passed this year (I feel you. I missed it too this year.) Last year, one of the beautiful red wreaths there had us both salivating. I tried recreating it and we both loved it. This year I promised daughter I would make one for her too. <br /><br />Sidebar please. Ready for another story? This is my most embarrassing moment that happened at the market. For anyone who thinks I may have lost my mind but isn't totally sure, let me prove what a complete idiot I can be. Sometimes I just don't think before I talk. (I so hear my dad's voice in my head right now.) Before we had attended a Nutcracker Market, we were researching the vendors online. We both were really interested in this <a href="http://www.candorijewelry.com/" target="_blank">jewelry artist</a> who lives near my hometown. She has a very cool <a href="http://www.candorijewelry.com/index.asp" target="_blank">website</a>. We loved that she did a little video on each piece and showed the different ways you could wear the necklaces. We were going to look for her and of course we found her. She wasn't hard to spot. She looks like a golden angel. She was working with us and I was telling her how much I liked her <a href="http://www.candorijewelry.com/index.asp" target="_blank">website</a>, how much time we had spent watching her videos and whoever created her website did an awesome job, etc. And here's where I lost my mind. She was smiling and nodding and for some insane reason, I blurted out... "we do an impression of you. Do you want to see?" I swear, we were loving her and thinking she was the CUTEST thing. Not making fun of her at all. But I guess that didn't translate well because she stopped smiling and nodding. I looked around for daughter who had been there and all of a sudden wasn't. Huh? I guess I can't blame her. I would have pretended to not know me too. So, if you visit her <a href="http://www.candorijewelry.com/index.asp" target="_blank">website</a> don't ask for the Terry discount. There isn't one. In fact, I wouldn't even mention this to her if you want to be on her good side. But I still love her.<br /><br />I hope you're still with me. Please say you've done something that dumb too. I half-considered not telling you that story but its my most memorable Nutcracker story and unfortunately, I have more embarrassing moments than you'd imagine. I guess its kind of funny if I can pretend someone else did it. But back to the wreath, I made my wreath a little looser formed, and daughter's a little more tightly packed, so you'll probably use anywhere from 17-27 hydrangea stems (buy on sale or you'll have to get a second mortgage to purchase the flowers. I got mine both times at Hobby Lobby at 50% off.) Plus you'll need a 12 in. styrofoam wreath and one yard of 1-1/2 in. ribbon and your glue gun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Clip the hydrangeas from the stem, leaving about 1/4 in. of the stem. Use an awl to punch a hole about 1/4 in. deep into the wreath form. I punched a few holes at a time about 1/2-3/4 in. apart.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11076.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Take a lesson from me and put a little glue from your glue gun directly in the hole rather than trying to put it on the end of the flower stem. (I'm still recovering from the worst glue burn I've ever had and that's saying a lot. Good news is someone you know worked themselves off Thanksgiving dish duty this year! ) Stick the hydrangea in the hole and hold for a second. Do the face of the wreath then go back and do the outside and inside edges.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Fold the ribbon in half and loop through the wreath. Tie a bow at the top and hang.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11095-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11095-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11086.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />You could use any color hydrangeas and ribbon, white or blue with purple ribbon would be pretty but I thought we'd be tempted to leave it up all year and this way, it will be special each year when it comes out for Christmas. It would be great in the fall with autumn colors and other flowers than hydrangeas also. This won't be the cheapest wreath you ever made but it might be the easiest and prettiest.<br /><br /><br />This post also part of<br /><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Todays Creative Blog"><img alt="Todays Creative Blog" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" title="Todays Creative Blog" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="HouseofHepworths" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HoHnew1.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://kristilinauerinteriors.com/a2d-pics/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party.png" /></a><br /><br /><a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjzZ1M1Qh-A/THxI7fshPSI/AAAAAAAAZDs/yJ7qafJTTkQ/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><br />http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-hydrangea-wreath.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-1837049608081775189Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:08:00 +00002012-01-15T21:41:01.072-06:00cakerecipeLay's Pound CakeWe are all pound cake lovers in our family. I think if we had bought stock in Sara Lee, we'd be set now. Years ago, I came across this recipe in our local paper that tops any pound cake I've had, including the ever-yummy Miss Lee's. To tell you the truth, the newspaper article credited this recipe to a former beauty queen, orange juice spokeswoman but I just can't make myself tell you her name. I just can't abide mean-spirited people. Sorry ma'am. Something else I can't abide...mace. The spice, not the creep repellant (of course I'm in favor of the repellant stuff.) . The original recipe called for a 1/2&nbsp;tsp of Mace and I gave it an honest try but really? Yuck. How does anyone eat that stuff?&nbsp; If you wake up in the morning with a hankering for this stuff, add 1/2 tsp in with the flour. <br /><br />What I love about this pound cake besides the delicious flavor&nbsp;is the creaminess, super light texture, and crispy, kind of merangue-ey slight crunch of the crust.&nbsp;I have renamed this cake Lay's Pound Cake - I dare you to eat just one piece. Don't ask me how many I've ate this week, I'm thoroughly addicted to it.&nbsp; Please please try this cake.&nbsp; I love you that much, I want you to have the best.&nbsp; I'm currently working on a little idea for including it in&nbsp;my Christmas cookie basket. <br /><a name='more'></a><br />When beating egg whites for any recipe, its crucial to start with a scruptiously clean glass or metal bowl. I've found the easiest way of separating eggs is through my clean fingers (as opposed to my dirty ones.) You can separate a pile of eggs this way faster than anything.&nbsp; But even a speck of egg yolk will keep the whites from whipping so be super careful when separating. The whites will be foamy when you start beating them, then turn white. Once they&nbsp;turn a glossy white, they'll go from soft peaks to firm peaks quickly so be careful to not overbeat. I sort of push the beaters of my handmixer away from me and towards the edge of the bowl to check the firmness of the peaks.<br /><br />Lay's Pound Cake&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />**Bonus! recipe makes two 9x5 loaf-size pans. <br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2-2/3 C sugar, separate 6 level Tbls of this out<br />8 medium or 7 large eggs, separated and at room tempature<br />1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room tempature<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />3-1/2 C all-purpose flour<br />2/3 C light cream or half-and-half<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br />Preparations:<br />Butter and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans (I use the empty butter wrappers to butter pan). <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form then gradually beat in the 6 Tbls sugar. Place this bowl in the refridgerator until you need it.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />In a large bowl, cream the butter well. Gradually beat in the rest of the sugar and the salt, then beat in the egg yolks, two at a time until well mixed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11046.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Add the flour (in 3 parts) and the cream (in 2 parts) alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. (Turn the mixer down when adding the flour and then back up or you'll have&nbsp;flour all over&nbsp;the counters and you.)&nbsp;Whip until the batter is a light as possible, about 10 minutes at medium speed. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Then fold in the vanilla and egg whites in 3 parts into butter/flour mixture. It will start as a heavy batter and get easier with each&nbsp;addition of egg whites.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">﻿</div><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11059.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Pour the batter into prepared loaf pans (go ahead and lick the spatula. The best tasting cake batter there is.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Bake 50-60 minutes until toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean. Make sure to get the really clean toothpick or you'll have ribbons of "undone"&nbsp;cake throughout. Its still yummy&nbsp;but not as pretty.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Invert onto another rack and re-invert again so cake will finish cool right-side up.<br /><br />When the cake comes out of the oven, it&nbsp;will have&nbsp;a nice dome. It will fall about 1 inch as it cools. This is supposed to happen.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11063.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/11-18-11072.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Excuse me, I need to go make some more cake. Enjoy!http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/lays-pound-cake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-2051010259091181731Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:44:00 +00002011-11-30T16:56:54.630-06:00giftglass jarhousewarmingHousewarming Gift IdeaI needed a couple housewarming gifts recently and was inspired by that great Idea Cloud in the sky, <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. If you haven't discovered <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> yet, oh my, are you in for a treat! I am totally addicted. I think it's playtime for grown ups and its free! I saw several great options for gifts but settled on my imitation of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/273795389/">this</a>.<br /><br />In my jar, I included a kitchen towel and dishrag from Sur La Table (the sets were on sale and I have enough for one more gift even) and real vanilla beans. Mmmmm. Plus who ever has enough of these cute glass jars? Easy peasy to put together. I'm into cardinals right now, so I designed a Home Sweet Home gift label with a cardinal and tied it on with raffia.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov132011007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov132011007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />I hope Lana and Johanna both like them as much as I enjoyed putting them together. Precious girls. &nbsp;And check out <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> if you haven't. Goodby free time, hello greatest idea&nbsp;since the invention of Starbucks.http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/housewarming-gift-idea.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-364572312288121086Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:55:00 +00002011-11-30T16:57:30.219-06:00recipespaghettiMama Mia! World's Best Spaghetti and MeatballsBuon giorno! I have a real taste treat that you're going to flip for. &nbsp;You'll throw away all your other spaghetti sauce and meatball recipes once you try this. I did. My daughter turned me onto a similar <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/jo-mamas-world-famous-spaghetti-22782" target="_blank">recipe</a>&nbsp;a few years ago. I've made a couple changes and added the best yummy meatballs to make it even more special. Both are wonderfully spiced as written in the recipe so don't hold back. A dear <b>true</b>&nbsp;Italian friend, Lu taught me years ago to always "fry" your tomato paste a few minutes before adding the other wet ingredients. She said true Italians never use "raw" tomato paste in their cooking. It adds a depth to your sauce. Lu, if you're reading this from heaven, ciao!<br /><br />For browning the meats, have you seen this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011UFPXU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=tasnes-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B0011UFPXU">Mix 'n Chop</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tasnes-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0011UFPXU&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />tool from Pampered Chef? It makes light work of breaking up meat for cooking. Even the men in the family freak out if they can't find their "meat tool". &nbsp;I ordered mine on a recommendation and love it! Great gift idea for 10 bucks. Speaking of breaking up the meat, in general I'm kinda' of a "if less if good, then more would be better" girl. Don't do it. I've done it and it makes things mushy. You gotta' know when to stop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Also, you know to never cook with a wine that you wouldn't drink, right? My parents weren't wine drinkers so I didn't grow up cooking with wine. But lo and behold, there isn't hardly anything that a good wine doesn't make better. And now I cook with it too. :) &nbsp;Any decent red wine will do. I've used cabernet and merlot and like both those. Use your favorite robust red.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />For the herbs for both recipes, fresh is great when you have it in the summer but I don't go to the extra expense in the winter. I always like the Muir Glen brand tomatoes. You can find them on sale (4/$5) to make them comparable to other brands.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />This recipe is special enough to serve to company, just make sure you make copies of the recipe. I <u>always</u> double both recipes and put several containers in the freezer. It is my husband's favorite go-to dinner. I wish I had smell-a-vision for you - the house smells delicious! Without further ado, here is Mama's Famous Spaghetti and Meatballs.<br /><br />&nbsp;<b><u>World's Best Meatballs</u></b><br />8-10 meatballs<br /><b><u><br /></u></b><br />1 lb ground beef<br />1/2 C dried seasoned bread crumbs<br />4 large eggs<br />1/2 C whole milk<br />3/4 C grated romano cheese<br />3 Tbls diced red onion<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />4 Tbls parsley<br />4 Tblsp chopped parsley<br />1/2 tsp black pepper<br /><br />(to double the recipe, double everything except use just 6 eggs)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with cooking spray.<br /><br />Mix all ingredients in large bowl with your hands, thoroughly but with a light hand. Can add more bread crumbs if it seems loose. You're going for a firm consistency that will just pack but not dense.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Roll meatballs size of small softball, pack but again use as light a hand as possible and place on baking sheet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Bake for 40 minutes.&nbsp;Add to spaghetti sauce.&nbsp;Don't worry if not completely done, they will finish cooking in the sauce. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><b><u>Mama's Famous Spaghetti Sauce</u></b><br />makes enough for 4-6 with leftovers<br /><br />1 lb ground beef<br />1 lb Italian sausage (I use the hot)<br />1 onion, diced<br />4 cloves garlic, diced<br />12 oz tomato paste<br />28 oz can diced tomatoes<br />30 oz tomato sauce<br />rinse out all the cans with about 1/3 can water and add water to pot<br />12 oz sliced mushrooms<br />3 tsp basil<br />2 tsp parsley<br />1 1/2 tsp brown sugar<br />1 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I use more, but we like it spicy)<br />1/2 tsp black pepper<br />1/3 C red wine<br /><br />Brown the meats, breaking up into small bite size bits. Add onions and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for a minute. Stir in tomato paste and "fry" for 2-3 minutes until just beginning to brown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and water. Add mushrooms, basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and wine. Stir well and bring to a simmer.&nbsp;When the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce.&nbsp;Stir carefully from now on to not break up the meatballs.&nbsp;Simmer low and slow 2-3 hours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I serve with garlic bread and an Italian salad (greens, garbanzo beans, sliced olives, pepperoni, croutons) and don't forget the rest of that bottle of wine you opened.&nbsp;Mangia!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov162011023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/mama-mia-worlds-best-spaghetti-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-7992997587139991496Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:11:00 +00002012-01-15T21:44:31.179-06:00cardsChristmaskidssilhouetteSomething for the Kiddo's in my Christmas CardsI've started working on our Christmas cards, a little later than I wanted to. This will be just the second year that I've made our card and I'm strictly an amateur at best. But I was working away and got to thinking about all the precious children in the families we'll be sending cards to and I stopped to consider that a Christmas card isn't much fun for them. So, I halted my card-making for a couple days to work on a little project for the young 'uns. I call it a Build a Santa Kit.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I found a picture of a simple Santa I liked online and using my Silhouette, cut out all Santa's parts for as many kits as I needed. You could purchase cut-out dies from the scrapbooking department at a craft store and put together your own picture if you want to do it without a machine. I used my other favorite machine, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001DU6RS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=tasnes-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B0001DU6RS">Xyron</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tasnes-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0001DU6RS&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> to make each part an adhesive sticker. I wanted to make these as stress-free as possible for moms and dads. They have their hands full at this time of year especially. I made copies of the finished Santa picture to include as a guide and did a couple adhesive labels, one with the kit name and the other with the directions for assembling. I put everything into a small clear cellophane bag and closed it with a small Zot (clear adhesive dot).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Here are the finished kits, front and back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011006-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011006-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov122011007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I'll have to pay attention come mailing time to envelopes that have kits in them and make sure they have enough postage on them. I was thinking something like this would make a neat advent calendar with a little project for each day. But you'd have to really plan ahead to get that done in time. Maybe next year. <br /><br />Merry Christmas little ones. I had fun thinking of each of you while I made these!http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/something-for-kiddos-in-my-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-1085805052885032482Sun, 13 Nov 2011 04:33:00 +00002011-11-15T21:58:04.425-06:00licenseorganizetipsTip for Driver's LicenseHi everyone! I have a super-super-easy but genius tip for you. A sales clerk taught me this a few years back and I can't even tell you how many times since, I've received compliments on it. &nbsp;You know how when clerks (or police or bartenders for some of you) ask to see your driver's license and you go to get it out of your wallet, you never can quite grasp it especially when there's a long line of people waiting on you, because it's under that thick clear plastic thing? Solution coming. Ready? Get out your notepad and pay attention now. This is pretty heavy.You'll need your driver's license and tape. I use packing tape, the kind with the string in it. You can use scotch tape but just know it will get brittle as it ages and eventually you'll have to redo it and then you'll have gummy stuff on your license and who needs that?<br /><br />Tear a piece of tape about 2". &nbsp;Stick about 1/4" of the tape onto one short edge of your license on the back side. Fold the tape in half at 1" and bring it back upon itself and stick the other end of the tape onto the front of your license (about 1/4").&nbsp;When choosing right or left short edge of your license, if you can plan ahead and think how your wallet opens to show your license right side up for clerks when you're not required to remove it BUT leave our handle out, all the better.&nbsp;The exact measurements aren't important, just the idea. &nbsp;Leave enough tape on your license to get a good grasp but not enough to obstruct any information. The police are kinda' funny about that. You know what else they're funny about? When they stop you &nbsp;and you can't figure out how to roll down the power windows and you keep locking the doors and rolling down all the other windows but yours because its night and you're flustered, then you start laughing behind your window. Oh wait. They're NOT funny about that. Good way to make sure they're gonna' have to go ahead and give you the ticket rather than the warning.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But I digress. So what you have essentially made is a little handle to grasp your license to pull it out. &nbsp;Whew! Tired? Ready to call it a day? I won't tell if you go put your feet up for a while. May you all get warnings instead of tickets. But I promise you're going to get lots of compliments - clerks will tell you you're a genius!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/licensetape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/licensetape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov132011001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov132011001.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />(Sorry about the picture quality. I was a little freaky about putting my license out there.)http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/tip-for-drivers-license.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-5306116668134161343Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:05:00 +00002012-01-15T21:45:35.766-06:00craft roomofficeorganizeCraft Room MakeoverMy brother is turning 50 next week. I bought his card yesterday&nbsp;(Shhh. He hasn't seen it yet.)&nbsp;that said "Turning 50? Look on the bright side...Bright side?!! There's no bright side! There's a bright light, but you're going to want to stay away from that." Hahahahhahahaha. I'm still laughing but I'll spare you more hahas. Cracks me up. He's going to love it. But why do I tell you that story you're asking yourself? &nbsp;Well, about 18 months ago I got laid off from a job I loved. It really threw me for a loop. I couldn't imagine what I was going to do with myself or my time. I had a hard time even getting out of bed not to mention committing to anything. It hurt my pride, I had never been let go from anything, well if you don't count the A&amp;W manager who sent me home after a half day and said I clearly wasn't getting it. No, HE wasn't getting it. Somehow he overlooked my great restaurant-ing skills. So anyway... fast forward, I gave up my primo office space upstairs to my husband and took over the larger but freezing office in the garden-level basement. My friend Lisa talked me into it (and of course it was the right thing to do anyway) pointing out that I could make it a joint craft room/office. What's that she said?!! Craft room? I've never dreamed of having a craft room. So I hopped on that train and set about making one for as little as possible. Now that I wasn't working, funds are quite a bit tighter. Good thing I shop the thrift, huh? Let me show you what I did.<br /><br />The basis for the room was this Craigs List cabinet score ($25). My husband wasn't too sure about it but it has worked out perfectly! It has loads of storage for my paint, tools, adhesives, paper, etc. I labeled the drawers and glued a tape measure along the front edge for quick measurements. Side story, same brother called me while I was glueing the tape measure on and said "whatcha' doing?" I paused and said "Ugh, I don't want to tell you." He dragged it out of me "I'm glueing a tape measure on my cabinet." &nbsp;For about 30 seconds, I think he thought I'd gone around the bend...again. But we had a good laugh. The tape measure was one of my sweet mother-in-law's and that makes me smile each time I see it. I did have a tv on top of the cabinet but I freecycled it. I found that I get in the crafting zone and never turn it on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I found the unpainted turntable at the thrift for a couple dollars and painted it ivory, then stapled a piece of elastic across each opening to keep everything in that might be tempted to fly out. So far everything stays in well but the grandbabies are coming for Christmas and I can see that thing holding some army men and flying! Just saying... I use it to hold stamp pads and brads and buttons for card-making.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The light-green tray was bright red before I painted it and now holds my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tasnes-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B005CRNLYS&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Cuttlebug dies and embossers</a>. I love that its open for finding just what I need.<br /><br />The two shelf unit was a cheap, open black piece. I hated it because my stuff kept falling off the back. I bought a discount piece of taupe matboard and cut it to size and stapled it on the back, after painting the whole piece ivory. I labeled all my glitters, embossing powders, etc and store them on this piece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The wicker basket on the right is my idea basket. My Pottery Barn catalogs reside there as well as other pages that I've torn from other magazines, etc. It works better for me than a binder because I can edit it quickly and find what I need in a flash. I still need some art for this wall. Its a little bare. But I have something in mind that I'm hoping Santa might bring this year.<br /><br />A senior friend of my parents (thanks Aunty Hazel!) very generously gave me this adorable table and two chairs. I love it! It needed quite a bit of rust removal, then my husband primed and painted the legs for me. The table is just the right size for one of my cutting mats. That way, I can leave it out and not be tempted to make a quick cut on my desk top when I'm too lazy to drag a cutting mat out. I didn't say I've done that, I just said I've been tempted. Okay I've done it countless times and been lucky so far. I keep a receptacle out on the table for small bits of trash, especially with card-making.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />On a bookcase behind my desk, I keep my machines. Lucky girl that I am, I got my Silhouette for Christmas &nbsp;last year. I use the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tasnes-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B005CRNLYS&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Cuttlebug</a> all the time and the Xyron sticker machine. I keep my sentiment and acrylic stamps in two vintage cases. &nbsp;I found the paper tray at the thrift store and use it to sort paper scraps. Card-makers keep any scraps over a couple inches and these can be a real mess. This sorter works great for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I stay organized using the dry-erase calendar and memo board next to my desk. &nbsp;No fair peeking to see what's coming up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />On my desk, I wanted something that would help me hide all my stuff and also increase my square ft. I found this great cubby unpainted at the thrift for $5. I painted and decoupaged a pretty paper on top. I use the cubby for my markers, camera, batteries and my trusty steed, my labeler.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Well we've made our way around the room. Notice there's a comfy but currently empty seat waiting for you to come visit. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/craftroom025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I'm still unemployed. There's been some challenges the past 18 months for sure. We have lots of company there as the country learns to cut back and live within their means too. I think that's been good in some ways, don't you? We've also seen our share of blessings. I'm going to bet the farm that the Lord knows what he's up to with me. (Wait, "bet the farm" is that a saying for people who die? I'm just guessing, not dying.) And I look on the bright side, I would never have a craft room OR time for crafts and blogging, if I was still working that job. &nbsp;Its just that bright light I want to stay away from. Hahahahhahahha. Take good care.http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/craft-room-makeover.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-9201030713966270553Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:59:00 +00002012-01-15T21:42:51.508-06:00bakecinnamon rollrecipeCan't Miss Cinnamon RollsRemember my <a href="http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/10/sew-easy-valances_28.html">excellent sew-er friend, Elizabeth</a>? Elizabeth and I go wayyy back. &nbsp;We used to work together at Penney's. I worked in the catalog dept. and she worked across from me in the more responsible credit dept. She is one of my all-time favorite people and I love spending time with her. She also thrifted before thrifting was cool. Now we go together and besides frugal daughter, she is the only one who will take all day in the same store besides me. For that alone, I love her. But last time we went she also made a treat for when we finished - the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. I'm not embarrassed to tell you I am kind of a cinnamon roll snob, I like to make them from scratch. But no more. This is the last recipe you will need and they couldn't be easier, just 3 ingredients. Check this out:<br /><br />Purchase Rhodes frozen Cinnamon Rolls (don't fret, we're going to jack them up.). I usually have a coupon for $1 off when you buy two. Take my word for it and go ahead and buy two. Your family will be asking for these again soon! Also purchase a box (or two) of COOK vanilla pudding.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0841.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />The night before, spray your 13"x9" baking dish with cooking spray. Separate the cinnamon rolls and lay them in a single layer in the dish (reserve icing package that comes with rolls). Score!! Someone made a mistake at the cinnamon roll factory and put 13 in my bag! Swee-eet!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0843.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sprinkle the UNPREPARED vanilla pudding over the frozen rolls. Melt one stick of butter or margarine and pour it over the rolls. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap lightly with cooking spray (I lay it over the baking dish and spray, then pick it up and turn it over so spray side is down) then cover the rolls tightly and refrigerate overnight.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />In the morning, remove the thawed rolls and let set on counter for 30-45 minutes until doubled in volume.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Bake at 350* for 15-20 minutes until light golden.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Spread icing and serve.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/IMG_0853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Delish! You should probably thank Elizabeth now. Your mouth is going to be pretty full for awhile once you make these..</div>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/cant-miss-cinnamon-rolls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)140tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-8065884141628122670Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:15:00 +00002011-11-15T21:58:48.874-06:00barrettebowskidsorganizeBow HangerOur Rapunzel has so many barrettes and bows, she was swimming in them. Frugal daughter and I saw an adorable hanger in a kids boutique but the cost ($36) was shocking for this do-it-yourselfer. &nbsp;This project was easy and so much fun to make. First get your husband to cut you a 15" x 6"-ish pine board or if your husband is like mine and is on his own timetable, purchase one at any of the craft stores. No offense honey, and no we don't have to have the talk again about how the j.o.b. is more important than my handicrafts. Got it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov12011007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov12011007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The board can be any shape you wish. While you're at the store, choose a couple sheets of scrapbook paper that will act as the background, paint for the edges, 3 yds of 1/2" ribbon and 2-3 packs of 3D stickers. I love the K&amp;Company stickers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov12011009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/nov12011009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />If the board does not already have a hanger on the back, install one. Paint the edges of the board bringing paint onto front of board slightly. Piece two sheets of paper together and tape on back of paper to keep together. Lay the board upside down on the papers and trace the pattern. Cut out pattern, being careful to keep paper together. Layer mod-podge down on front of board then lay paper. While still wet, layer mod-podge over paper and let dry.<br /><br />Cut ribbon into (5) 18" pieces. Space out 5 ribbons across board and staple one end to front of board.<br />Decorate board with stickers using as much as you like. Cover staples with stickers. Hang bows and barrettes on ribbons.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/bowholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/bowholder.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Super cute and fit for a princess!<br /><br />&nbsp;This post is linked to<br />&nbsp; <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Todays Creative Blog"><img alt="Todays Creative Blog" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Todays Creative Blog" /></a> <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/"><img alt=" http://www.thethriftyhome.com" border="0" src="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/images/pennypinchparty.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" /></a> <a href="http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/"><img alt="button" height="135" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5983120223_e21d9ce1fc_m.jpg" width="221" /></a>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/bow-hanger.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-6263391997344150710Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:44:00 +00002011-11-15T21:59:56.303-06:00jewelrykidsorganizeSparkle Jewelry HangerSo many creative posts out there for hanging our jewelry but we needed something durable and accessible for my 4 yr old precious granddaughter. Hannah has tons of necklaces and bracelets that she wears on a daily basis but were getting tangled in a box, waiting on a better solution. Frugal daughter and I were shopping the thrift when I spotted a countertop 70’s fingertip tip towel holder. The price was right ($2.99) and I knew I could make this work for what she needs.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some Heirloom White solved the brass problem. I needed to put something on the back of the arms to keep the jewelry from congregating in the middle. I tried washers but they snapped when I snipped the radius and bent them even just a little to get over an arm. I ended up cutting 4 circles from a sheet of purple foam (.99) then hole punched a smaller circle in the middle of each.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/sparklehanger-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/sparklehanger-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />By the way, the Cuttlebug works perfectly cutting foam. I couldn’t cut foam on the Silhouette or using my punches. I glued two together and snipped the radius. I stamped a tiny white flower on each side of the circles and slipped them over the arms. &nbsp;I don’t know that I am a complete fan of the foam circles but they do the job and aren't very noticeable once its loaded up with jewelry. There’s a tiny part of my brain that is still trying to think of a better option.&nbsp; I thought about using stretchy hair bands maybe… Anyone have a better idea?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s the hangers all loaded up. Feel like you’re seeing double? I forgot to take a picture of a before so I found a second identical holder and made two. &nbsp;I’ve seen fancier towel hangers that with a coat of spray paint could do the same thing for us grown girls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/jewleryholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/jewleryholder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div>this post is linked to <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" /></a>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/10/sparkle-jewelry-hanger.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-7765784190088726863Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:05:00 +00002011-11-28T16:03:20.226-06:00budgetGoodwillthriftI Have a Secret.<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a secret. Only a handful of people know about my secret addiction, people who won't judge. All my discretionary income goes towards feeding my addiction. When its been awhile since I had any, all I can think of is how to get me some. But its time to come clean with everyone. My name is Terry and I'm a thrifter. Sure, it started innocently enough. My frugal grown daughter got&nbsp;me started and went with me the first several times to show me the ropes. I was in sketchy neighborhoods that I never &nbsp;envisioned myself going but after awhile, they started to feel like "my people" and I was very comfortable, maybe too comfortable. To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure I want help. I'm definitely not sure I want to tell you where I get my stuff and risk losing it. Can I trust you? Maybe I'll just tell you how I pull it off and hope no one tries to pull an intervention off on me.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #333333;">Do thrift stores have a lot of junk? Oh yeah, in fact it's probably mostly junk, maybe 90% even. But that leaves 10% treasures for anyone willing to look beyond the junk. The more you go, the quicker you'll get at spotting the good stuff.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #333333;">Do thrift stores have a nasty smell and lots of dust? Yep. I call that smell "MONEY" and soap is readily available for your hands and purchases&nbsp;when you're done scoring your deals.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #333333;">Don't thrift stores have only old discarded crap? Nope, not so. I have found many brand new, still in the box, brand name,&nbsp;high end&nbsp;items. But even those old (we call them "vintage") items are one of a kind and will surely set your home apart from everyone else's.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #333333;">What if I make a buying mistake? I was scared too initially. Some stores allow you to return items (Goodwill does) and even when I can't, I know that I paid so little for something, that it wasn't a huge hit to my budget as if I paid retail and I move on. Plus keep in mind you’re supporting a good cause.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #333333;">Don't know where to thrift shop? Try googling "best thrift stores in _____." &nbsp;I'm pretty lucky that <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Colorado</place></state> seems to be a thrift store mecca. Some cities, even huge ones like <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Houston</place></city> (where my daughter lives) just don't seem to have as good of thrift stores and believe me we’ve tried. But still you can always find some worth shopping if maybe not get the best deal in the world. When my daughter comes to CO, we do our favorite routes and are in "thrift stupor". Grab&nbsp;your sister or&nbsp;friend, stop for a treat and have yourself a cheap, glorious day! <a name='more'></a></span></span></li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="text-indent: -24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a couple of my recent finds to inspire those of you don't shop the Thrift yet. Let’s see how this goes and maybe we’ll have some linky parties after the holidays.<br /><br />Longaberger basket $4.99</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/oct2722011002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/oct2722011002.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />5 bee goblets .49 ea (I had purchased 4 of these already in a restaurant shop for $8 each!) It was hard to get a clear picture of them, they are so sparkly despite how they look in the picture.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011001.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Pottery Barn table runner $2.99</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct272011004.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could go on and on but will quit there and urge you to shop the Thrift. Just stay out of my way and we won't have any problems.&nbsp;</span></div>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/10/thrifting-is-paradise.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103618606005527361.post-7041129351155962094Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:46:00 +00002012-01-15T21:44:04.096-06:00curtainsewSew Easy Valances<br /><div class="MsoNormal">Warning! Professional sew-ers look away.&nbsp; The last sewing class I had was umpteen years ago in junior high and then what I've picked up here and there from my mother-in-law and excellent sew-er friend Elizabeth.&nbsp; I was very pleased with how these valances turned out and wanted to give instructions that anyone could follow to make similar valances or curtains for their windows. No experience necessary, I promise. If you can sew a reasonably straight line, you can make cute curtains in less than a couple hours!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was dog tired boss, of my boring brownish plaid valances. I couldn't find what I liked in stores and settled on the brown plaid 5+ years ago when we redid our kitchen. This summer it hit me that I couldn't even see out into our beautiful backyard because the valance came down so low. I thought, "d'uh why am I not making them? I know how to do this!"&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before: &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The fun part is going to the fabric store and choosing fabric. You'll need to know how much to have cut. Measure your windows across, adding at least 1 in for side hems.&nbsp; Depending on how full you want the material to gather, you should multiply that number by 1.5 or 2. Usually the thinner the material (think sheers), the more you want it to gather. By the way, this rule applies when you purchase curtains too (look at me, giving you rules already! But that one I learned from my mother-in-law and whatever she says goes.)&nbsp; Add all the window widths together if you are doing multiple windows and divide by 36 to get # of yards.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a separate calculation decide how long you want the valance (or curtains) to be.&nbsp; Then we need to add in the header (the material above the rod pocket), the rod pocket, the&nbsp;back of both the header and rod pocket, and the turn-under of the top (no raw edges showing makes a huge difference in the finished product!) and finally the bottom hem and hem turn-under. Note, if you make the header and the rod pocket the same length you'll be glad you did later. All of those measurements are subjective to your rods, windows and personal taste somewhat but you can take a look at your current curtains until you get a feel for it.&nbsp; One thing I would say is ALWAYS <u>turn-under</u> the same amount&nbsp;as the hem and rod pocket on the top and bottom. Once the curtains are up and the sun is coming through the window, you will see any differences and it won't look as nice. The diagram below shows my measurements for one of the windows.&nbsp; The diagonal slashes on the drawing are turn-unders.&nbsp; Most fabrics are 45 in&nbsp;wide on the bolt. Knowing the&nbsp;total length&nbsp;you need, can you get two panels from 45 in? If so, you'll need 1/2 as many yards as you calculated in the paragraph above.&nbsp; For instance, mine is 1.5+1.5+1.5+1.5+1.5+11+3/4+3/4=20 so I could get two panels from one&nbsp;bolt width of 45 in material. Make sense?&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/kitchenvalance-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/kitchenvalance-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, when you're shopping, look at the information on&nbsp;the end of the bolt to make sure the material is machine washable and&nbsp;use your coupons. If you have a change of heart on fabric choice, some stores will graciously let you return cut fabric. Crazy. I’ve never done it but I know people who have. I’m looking at you E.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/phoneoct272011050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/phoneoct272011050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When cutting your fabric, pay close attention to right side and top side&nbsp;up. It's very easy to get mixed up and have your vines growing down instead of up.&nbsp; I use a mat board and rotary cutter and&nbsp;was done cutting&nbsp;in less than 10 minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Time to get sewing...I mean pinning and pressing. I spend more time pinning and pressing than I do actually sewing.&nbsp; I grab myself a diet Coke, put my feet up, get reacquainted with some Nate Berkus or <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Jersey</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Shore</placetype></place> (my tastes run the gamut) and plug in the iron.&nbsp;Make sure to fold always to reverse side of fabric&nbsp;when folding and&nbsp;pinning. &nbsp;I sew the same way I eat, one thing at a time, so for as many panels as I’m making, I work on one thing at a time rather than finish one curtain at a time. With the help of&nbsp;a metal sewing slide ruler, I first pin all the side turn-unders. I like a 1/2 in side hem so I turn-under 1/2 in and pin all the sides then press. Take out the pins, fold over and pin another 1/2 in for the finished side hem. Press.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sew all the side hems getting as close as possible to the inside fold edge as you can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to more pinning and pressing and Nate and Snooky... pin the bottom hem turn-under(s) (in my case 3/4 in). Pin the top turn-under(s) for the rod pocket (1.5 in for my valance). Press both and take out pins. Fold the bottom hem(s) up again (3/4 in for me) and pin.&nbsp; Fold the top again, this time&nbsp;the total inches for the rod pocket(s) and header(s) (for my valance 3 in) and pin. Press the hem and top. Sew the hem and top. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, remember when I said you'd be glad if you made the header and rod pocket the same length in the 4<sup>th</sup> paragraph, here's where that pays off: fold the top edge once again to the seam line of the rod pocket you just sewed and press, no need to pin (it doesn’t take much to make me happy). Unfold and sew a straight line from side to side&nbsp;in the fold line you just pressed (my machine practically sews itself in the ditch) to create the finished rod pocket and header.&nbsp;Press and hang.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">You're done! Way to go!&nbsp; If you want to put up a sign saying you made the curtains, I condone it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After: Aren't they cheery?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff445/terryr2/Blog/Oct262011028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Just wait until next spring/summer when I show you the backyard in all its glory. I'm afraid the Autumn and new puppy had their way with the view before I finished the valances. Darn it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>http://tastynest.blogspot.com/2011/10/sew-easy-valances_28.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Terry@tastynest.blogspot.com)1